As part of the
continuing effort to carry the excitement of the Champ Car World
Series to new fans and markets both in the United States and
around the world, the series announced today that it had reached
an agreement to stage a race in Beijing, China in 2006.

Champ Car today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the
Beijing Auto and Motor Sports Association (BAMSA), clearing the
way for the series to hold a race in Beijing. The inaugural
event, which would be the first-ever Champ Car race to be held
in China, would be part of the 2006 Bridgestone Presents The
Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford calendar.

“This is a major step forward for the Champ Car World Series as
we continue to establish our presence in the Asian markets,”
said series co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven. “We believe these markets
are fundamental to our Series growth and future success. Adding
an exciting new event in China to go with races in Korea and
Australia solidifies our presence in a very important region of
the world.”

Champ Car President Dick Eidswick was on hand with Joe
Chrnelich to make the huge announcement. Does he look
happy?

The agreement was signed with BAMSA, which is the government
approved auto sports regulatory entity in Beijing that approves
all racing events for Beijing. Today’s announcement of the MOU
signing allows Champ Car and BAMSA to work together to decide
upon a promoter and final location for the event.

Mr. Zhang Junyu, Secretary General of BAMSA said, “As the
capital city of China and the hosting city of 2008 Olympics,
Beijing has now become a city with economic prosperity and
steady improvements, as well as the best market for automobile
races. Beijing is not only a city with auto manufacturing plants
and purchasing power, but also a city with the best and most
professional racing teams, drivers, and fans in China. The city
is now working towards becoming an international sports center
and to hold world renowned auto races is an important part
towards accomplishing that goal. Therefore, as the city’s auto
race administration and organizer, BAMSA warmly welcomes the
Champ Car World Series race scheduled to run in 2006 and we
sincerely extend our best wishes for great future success of the
race in Beijing for years to come.”

“We have several very qualified parties interested in securing
the rights to this race. We expect to work very closely with
BAMSA to make the proper selection,” said Joe Chrnelich,
Executive Vice-President, Development, Government Affairs &
Planning. “After our recent visits to Beijing, there is no doubt
that Champ Car has found a new and exciting market for our
expanding worldwide schedule. Both the Beijing Government and
resident business entities are excited about the future
prospects for a Champ Car event, especially given the worldwide
marketing platform we provide. Beijing is a great city with a
rapidly expanding infrastructure, a wealth of historic assets
and a very bright future. We look forward to helping Beijing
project this new and dynamic image on the worldwide stage. ”

Initial discussions indicate that the race could be held in
either May or September of 2006, but a number of factors will
play into the final determination of a race date.

“Today’s announcement is no doubt a historic day for the Champ
Car World Series, but we are excited because it is about more
than just a race,” Kalkhoven said. “The relationships forged
through this process will benefit both sides tremendously. The
warm reception we have received here could lead to even bigger
things in the future, including the potential to bring Chinese
drivers and teams into the series.”

Copyright 1999-2014 AutoRacing1 is an
independent internet online publication and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed
by the IRL., NASCAR, FIA, Sprint, or any other series sponsor.
This material may not be published, broadcast, or redistributed without
permission.